On Nov. 18, The Issaquah Press carried an article by Tom Corrigan, about a new sign outside the Issaquah Community Hall, prohibiting outdoor eating of meals served in the hall. As a private citizen, I write this letter in support of Washington’s Open Public Meetings Act.

On Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. at the Issaquah Community Hall, I’m known as “the coffee guy.” I stand near the door as 50 or more people come through for a shared lunch provided by a circle of people of which I’m part, offering my “best in Issaquah,” home-roasted brew.

Two local service organizations have teamed up recently to double their offerings to Issaquah when Eastside Fire & Rescue’s Benevolent Fund helped the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank give the Issaquah Community Hall a facelift.

In what is hoped to be the beginning of a long relationship. Benevolent Fund President and EFR Battalion Chief David McDaniel said the nonprofit was delighted to assist with the painting of the center.

“I met Cori last year,” McDaniel said, speaking of Cori Kauk, director of the food bank. “She contacted me about painting the community hall and I said it sounded like a fantastic idea.”

The Benevolent Fund, created by EFR three years ago, wants to continue broadening the support it gives to the area through such projects.